Moses softening the waters of Mara and Elim , early 18th century

Very large oil on canvas, early 18th century, representing Moses softening the waters of Mara and Elim, re-canvassed.

After many days fleeing from the Egyptians and walking in the desert, Moses and his people arrived at Marah, and found a watering place.

A bitter water that Moses, thanks be to God, turned into sweet water.

Our painting, represents this episode of the exodus which will also have been treated by Poussin.

Moses can be identified in the centre with his hands joined in prayer, a halo above his head and his eyes raised to the sky.
At these sides a great priest recognizable by a pectoral jewel that he wears, probably a hoshen (pectoral jewel encrusted with 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel).

In the center a rock with a fountain from which water springs, and on each side the thirsty people who quench their thirst.